Orlando, located in central Florida, boasts a rich and diverse history that has shaped it into the vibrant city it is today. From its early settlement days to its emergence as a global tourist destination, Orlando’s past is marked by significant events and transformations.

Early Settlement and Founding

In 1823, the Treaty of Moultrie Creek established a Seminole reservation encompassing much of central Florida, including the area that would become Orlando. The Indian Removal Act of 1830 led to the relocation of the Seminole people, paving the way for increased white settlement. The Armed Occupation Act of 1842 further encouraged settlers to move into the region. In 1843, Aaron Jernigan from Camden County, Georgia, became the first permanent settler, establishing a homestead near Lake Holden.

Initially, the community was known as Jernigan, named after the pioneering family. By 1850, Jernigan had established a post office. As the settlement expanded northward, the name was changed to Orlando in 1856. The origin of the name “Orlando” is debated, with theories ranging from it being named after a soldier named Orlando Reeves to being inspired by a character from Shakespeare’s works.

Development and Growth

Orlando was incorporated as a town on July 31, 1875, with 85 residents. The period from 1875 to 1895 is often referred to as Orlando’s “Golden Era,” during which it became the hub of Florida’s citrus industry. However, the Great Freeze of 1894–95 devastated citrus crops, leading many growers to relocate further south.

In the early 20th century, Orlando transformed into a popular resort destination, especially between the Spanish–American War and World War I. The 1920s saw a housing boom, with numerous neighborhoods emerging around the downtown area. This growth was curtailed by hurricanes in the late 1920s and the onset of the Great Depression.